Indian sports wrap, July 4: India clinches silver on Day 1 of Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships 2025

WEIGHTLIFTING

India clinches silver on Day 1 of Asian Youth & Junior Weightlifting Championships 2025

Pungni Tara clinched a silver medal in the 44 kg weight category (Youth Girls) with a total lift of 141 kg on the opening day of the 2025 Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships 2025 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Her individual lifts included snatch of 60 kg, clean & jerk of 81 kg, recording a total weight of 141 kg.

With this performance, Tara secured a gold in clean & jerk, resulting in a silver in total lift.

-Team Sportstar

INDIAN FOOTBALL

NorthEast United FC signs forward Lalbiakdika on a long-term deal

NorthEast United FC announced the signing of forward Lalbiakdika Vanlalvunga on a long-term contract that will keep him at the club until the end of the 2027 season.

Vanlalvunga, 25, joins the Highlanders from Aizawl FC following the conclusion of his contract with the I-League side.

At Aizawl FC, he registered eight goals and nine assists in 37 appearances over two seasons. His performances in the 2024–25 campaign — five goals and six assists in 20 matches — played a crucial role in helping his side avoid relegation.

“Coming from Mizoram, I’m truly delighted to join NorthEast United FC. It’s a club that represents the region and one I’ve always dreamed of playing for,” Vanlalvunga said.

“Lalbiakdika is an excellent addition to our forward line. He is consistent, intelligent, and one of the most promising Indian attackers. His versatility gives us depth in the final third, and I am confident that, with the right environment, he can develop into a top-level professional,” Juan Pedro Benali, Head Coach, NorthEast United FC, said.

Lalbiakdika becomes NorthEast United FC’s second Indian signing of the summer, following the arrival of Lalrinzuala Lalbiaknia. The duo will link up for the Highlanders up top as the 2024 Durand Cup champions kick off their pre-season in Guwahati on 13 July.

-Team Sportstar

SQUASH

India secures three bronze medals, four final berths at 32nd Asian Junior Individual Championships 2025

Saanvi Kalanki, Anahat SIngh, Aryaweer Dewa and Ayaan D will play the final in their respective categories.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

India continues its stellar performance at the 32nd Asian Junior Individual Championship 2025, securing four final berths and three bronze medals in the semifinals.

Aryaveer Dewa entered the boys U-17 final, while Ayaan D qualified for the U-13 summit clash. Top-seed Anahat Singh made it to the U-19 girls final, and Saanvi Kalanki reached the U-15 girls final.

India also clinched three bronze medals – Amarya Bajaj in the boys U-13 category, Aryaman Singh in the boys U-15 and Anika Dubey in the girls U-17.

-Team Sportstar